LETTER: Electronic message boards may have saved motorcyclist’s life

Published: Friday, June 21, 2013 at 06:38 PM.

Michelle Day was tragically killed while doing something she loved, riding her motorcycle.

Michelle was a mother and a daughter. She had family and friends. Now, there is a huge hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her that can never be filled. Her death also leaves a hole in the motorcycling community. A hole we must deal with far too often. A hole that need not have occurred.

This tragedy has also ruined the life of the man charged in her death. I would not wish his pain on anyone. There is likely not a minute of every day since the accident that he has not relived every aspect of that event. He is no doubt riddled with remorse and grief for the loss caused by his actions. I pray for both families daily. I ask you to do the same.

Here, in N.C., the Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of NC has been working with the NCDOT and the state Legislature for approximately five years in an effort to have the electronic message boards on our highways to display our message “Look Twice, Save a Life. Motorcycles are Everywhere.” We have had very little success.

We practice what we preach. We have volunteers all across N.C. who present our Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program to drivers ed students. Last year, we reached over 20,000 students across N.C. Have we made a difference? I like to think so, but there is no way to measure the results. We do it because we believe in it.

NCDOT tells us too many messages may make the boards less effective. Last week, I saw several boards all week long informing motorists that state law requires them to wear a seat belt. I also saw boards telling me it was a 15 minute drive to I-77. I was not going to I-77. I know I am required by law to wear a seat belt. Would those message boards with our message have saved Michelle Day. I don’t know.

I do know the driver charged in her death was in his 70s. He has never seen our drivers ed program. Maybe, just maybe, if he had seen the electronic message boards a few times, Michelle Day would be with her family today.

Michelle Day was tragically killed while doing something she loved, riding her motorcycle.

Michelle was a mother and a daughter. She had family and friends. Now, there is a huge hole in the lives of those who knew and loved her that can never be filled. Her death also leaves a hole in the motorcycling community. A hole we must deal with far too often. A hole that need not have occurred.

This tragedy has also ruined the life of the man charged in her death. I would not wish his pain on anyone. There is likely not a minute of every day since the accident that he has not relived every aspect of that event. He is no doubt riddled with remorse and grief for the loss caused by his actions. I pray for both families daily. I ask you to do the same.

Here, in N.C., the Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of NC has been working with the NCDOT and the state Legislature for approximately five years in an effort to have the electronic message boards on our highways to display our message “Look Twice, Save a Life. Motorcycles are Everywhere.” We have had very little success.

We practice what we preach. We have volunteers all across N.C. who present our Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program to drivers ed students. Last year, we reached over 20,000 students across N.C. Have we made a difference? I like to think so, but there is no way to measure the results. We do it because we believe in it.

NCDOT tells us too many messages may make the boards less effective. Last week, I saw several boards all week long informing motorists that state law requires them to wear a seat belt. I also saw boards telling me it was a 15 minute drive to I-77. I was not going to I-77. I know I am required by law to wear a seat belt. Would those message boards with our message have saved Michelle Day. I don’t know.

I do know the driver charged in her death was in his 70s. He has never seen our drivers ed program. Maybe, just maybe, if he had seen the electronic message boards a few times, Michelle Day would be with her family today.

I can’t say for sure, but I am willing to try anything that might save future lives. The signs are in place, they are paid for, there is no additional expense incurred to utilize them. Just a programming procedure that will take only a moment. About the same amount of time that would have been required for a second look. A second look that may have saved Michelle Day.

Please help. Call your elected reps and the NCDOT. Michelle Day was one of us. She was one of you.

Bill Starnes
Gastonia

Starnes is legislative coordinator, Gaston County Chapter, CBA/ABATE of NC.